Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is likely to end its passenger growth streak in November, continuing into December and January of next year, due to reduced operations by its two largest carriers, Air Serbia and Wizz Air, when compared to the same period last year. Although airlines are still likely to make adjustments to their winter networks, Belgrade Airport is expected to see its capacity levels on scheduled services drop by 7.9% in November, 11.2% in December, and 4.7% in January, with growth resuming from February onwards.
Last winter, Air Serbia operated an ambitious schedule for the first three months before suspending several routes and reducing frequencies. This winter, the airline plans a more modest schedule, which will be below levels recorded during the first part of last winter, but above those registered in the second half of the previous winter season. As a result, Air Serbia’s November – January capacity will be reduced by 4.7%. However, it will grow 12.8% in February and March 2025 when compared to 2024. Overall, its existing capacity for the duration of the entire winter season is down 21.000 seats, or some 1.3%.
The majority of the reduced capacity at Belgrade Airport will come from Wizz Air, which continues to deal with ongoing engine inspections that will ground over thirty of its aircraft in the coming period. During the winter, the low cost carrier will cut its capacity by 20% at Belgrade Airport, resulting in the removal of over 146.000 seats.
Last winter season, Belgrade Airport was served by British Airways from London Heathrow, which has since ended its operations to the Serbian capital, as well as Arkia from Tel Aviv, which has not scheduled flights for the coming months. On the other hand, the airport boasts new carriers including Sun d’Or from Tel Aviv and China Southern Airlines from Guangzhou. Foreign carriers with the largest growth in seat capacity for the 2024/25 winter season include Air Cairo, with an additional 10.572 seats, LOT Polish Airlines, with an extra 6.070 seats, as well as Aegean Airlines with an additional 4.524 seats.
Network changes for the upcoming winter season are still likely and may impact overall capacity levels. The information in the article is correct at the time of publication.
